Happy Friday! Here’s what you need to know today.
🏐 The big story
Illinois volleyball is finally back. The Illini open the 2026 season tonight against Cincinnati at Huff Hall, with first serve set for 7 p.m. on B1G+. It’s Illinois’ first season opener at home since 2016. The Illini went 13-16 last season but return against a program they’ve had a solid history with, holding an 11-3 all-time record against the Bearcats.
🏀 Basketball
Illinois added another guard to its roster Thursday night, bringing in Chicago native Quentin McCoy
as a late addition. The 6-foot-3 guard spent his first two seasons at Arizona State, appearing in nine games, and now gets a fresh start with Brad Underwood and the Illini. He joins an increasingly crowded Illinois backcourt.
⚽ Soccer
Illinois played to its third tie of the young season Thursday, drawing Saint Louis 1-1 at Demirjian Park. Cayla Jackson scored in the 20th minute, but the Billikens equalized early in the second half. The Illini are now 1-0-3 and have yet to lose this season.
🏈 Football
In six days, Illinois football will take the field for its Sept. 3 opener against UAB. The Illini continue to build toward the season with quarterback Katin Houser entering his first season as QB1 and several preseason award watch-list appearances highlighting the roster.
📅 Coming up
- 🏐 Tonight, 7 p.m. — Illinois vs. Cincinnati
- 🏐 Sunday, noon — Illinois vs. Syracuse
- 🏐 Tuesday, 6 p.m. — Illinois at Tennessee
- ⚽ Sept. 3, 6 p.m. — Illinois at Western Michigan
- 🏈 Sept. 3, 8 p.m. — Illinois vs. UAB
